Emma Watson to portray Disney princess, Belle live

Recently, Disney has been transforming its cartoon classics into live-action motion pictures. On Monday, Jan. 26, former Harry Potter star Emma Watson announced on Facebook that she will be portraying another leading lady bookworm. Watson has signed on to bring Belle, the Disney princess, to life in the new live-action film, “Beauty and the Beast.”

On her Facebook page, Watson told fans, “I’m finally able to tell you that I will be playing Belle in Disney’s new live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’! It was such a big part of my growing up, it almost feels surreal that I’ll get to dance to ‘Be Our Guest’ and sing ‘Something There.’ My 6-year-old self is on the ceiling – heart bursting. Time to start some singing lessons. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

According to The Huffington Post, the film will be directed by Bill Condon, director of the final two “Twilight” films. Author Stephen Chbosky, from “Perks of Being a Wallflower,” will write the script.

What most don’t know is this is not the first time Watson was cast as Belle. Watson had previously been granted the role of Belle for the Warner Bros. live-action film “Beauty,” directed by Guillermo del Toro.

Last June, the film was canceled when del Toro stepped away from the project. According to The Wrap, del Toro gave his blessing to Disney, allowing Watson to star in the upcoming version.

JCU students had a few reactions regarding Watson’s latest role and the remake of a Disney animated classic.

Freshman Kathryn Hoepfner said, “I love it! [Emma Watson] looks like Belle and is classy and booksmart just like her.”

“Personally, I would prefer to see Watson do something that required a more mature audience,” said sophomore Tony Dempsey. “‘Beauty and the Beast’ could be done in such a simple manner that it could be a waste of her talent.”

“When I found out that Watson was casted as Belle, I was extremely enthusiastic about the news,” said freshman Rachel Osheka. “As an actress, Watson goes above and beyond to embody her character. I think this reason is why she will be a great choice to portray Disney’s Belle.”

“Beauty and the Beast” is the third film in a series of live-action remakes commissioned by Disney. This includes the upcoming remake of “Cinderella” starring “Downton Abbey” star Lily James and “Game of Thrones” star Richard Madden, which will hit theaters this March.

Editor’s Note: Information from Atlanta Journal-Constitution, CNN, The Huffington Post and The Wrap was used in this article.